Protests and Tensions Over the Coronation of an Igbo King in South Africa
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), including members of the Progressive Forces of South Africa, staged a picket outside the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to demand urgent clarity regarding the controversial coronation of an Igbo king in KuGompo, Eastern Cape, South Africa. This event has sparked significant unrest among local communities, with South Africans taking to the streets to protest what they see as an affront to national laws.
The protests escalated when demonstrators burned vehicles and buildings allegedly belonging to foreign nationals on Monday. According to reports from Newzroom Africa, there is escalating violence in KuGompo City, where protesters torched foreign-owned vehicles and buildings in response to the controversial coronation of an Igbo traditional leader as a local king, organized by the Nigerian community.
The Coronation and Its Consequences
The Nigerian Igbo leader Solomon Ogbonna Eziko was installed as ‘Igwe Ndigbo’ on March 24, 2026, which Eastern Cape authorities deemed disrespectful to local traditions and sovereignty. Some protesters who picketed the Nigerian high commission also alleged that some Nigerians are involved in drug dealing, human trafficking, and other criminal activities. They challenged the commission to regulate the activities of Nigerians in the country.
In response, the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa stated that the government was not involved in the coronation event, explaining that the Nigerian government had always respected the laws of South Africa. Speaking on behalf of the Acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Temitope Ajayi, an officer of the Commission, said, “On behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I want to apologise for the event that happened recently. I want to let you know that Nigeria is a responsible country that observes the rules and laws of other countries.”
Accusations and Reactions
Bola Babarinde, a former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in South Africa, alleged that Nigerians dealing in drugs, human trafficking, and other related criminal activities in the country were the cause of the problem. He claimed that the South Africans had been tolerating these activities until the attitude of some Nigerians provoked them to react.
“Initially, these people loved us, but the hatred came when we started disrespecting the rules and regulations of the host community,” he said. Babarinde called on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to work on the character of Nigerians abroad, emphasizing that Nigeria would not tolerate what its people are doing to the South Africans.
Clarifications and Apologies
Frank Onyekwelu, president of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), clarified that the title of ‘Igwe Ndigbo’ conferred on Eziko was not intended to undermine traditional institutions. He explained that the installation was not meant to disrespect the governance structure or undermine the sovereignty and constitutional order of South Africa.
Onyekwelu emphasized that the institution of Igwe Ndigbo is a cultural and traditional expression of the Igbo people in the diaspora, aimed at promoting unity, preserving cultural identity, and providing social cohesion within the community. He also stated that NICASA had issued statements to clarify the situation and apologize for the unrest that greeted the event.
Similar Issues in Ghana
The installation of Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu as ‘Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana’ (King of the Igbo People in Ghana) triggered widespread protests and public outcry across parts of Ghana in July last year. Protesters in Accra and parts of the Eastern Region carried placards with messages such as ‘No Foreign Thrones in Ghana’ and ‘Honour Our Heritage.’ Critics argued that the creation of such thrones by foreigners could set a precedent for parallel leadership structures within the country.
In response to the controversy, Ihenetu defended his position, stating that the role is ceremonial and meant solely to unify the Igbo community in Ghana. “The throne of the Diasporan Igbo in Ghana is meant to protect, defend and project the Igbo people and Nigerians as a whole. We have no political authority or territorial ambitions in Ghana. This is purely cultural,” he said in an interview.
Advisory to Nigerians in South Africa
Meanwhile, the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has issued an advisory, urging Nigerians residing in the country to suspend all socio-cultural activities and maintain a low profile. In a 10-point circular titled ‘Advisory to All Nigerians Living in the Republic of South Africa,’ the high commission urged Nigerians to prioritize safety and exercise caution amid what it described as ‘palpable tension’ in the country.
The advisory included measures such as maintaining a low profile, remaining law-abiding, and respecting local laws and customs. It also directed Nigerians to suspend all socio-cultural activities and avoid making inflammatory statements capable of escalating tensions, particularly on social and mainstream media.
